NFL Franchise Tag Tracker 2026: Top Candidates Emerge

Key players like George Pickens, Breece Hall, and Kyle Pitts could be tagged as the offseason gets underway.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The NFL's franchise tag window is now open, and several high-profile players are emerging as top candidates to be tagged by their teams over the next two weeks. While only two players were tagged last offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly already planning to use the tag, potentially on wide receiver George Pickens. Other notable names that could receive the tag include Jets running back Breece Hall, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, and Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh.

Why it matters

The franchise tag allows teams to retain their top pending free agents for one more season, preventing them from hitting the open market. This gives teams more time to work out long-term deals with their star players. However, the tag also comes at a steep cost, as the salary is determined by the average of the top five salaries at that position. Teams must weigh the value of keeping a player versus the financial commitment.

The details

The franchise tag window opened on February 17 and will run until 4 p.m. ET on March 3. During this period, teams can designate one player who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The projected franchise tag salaries for 2026 range from $6.846 million for kickers/punters to $47.242 million for quarterbacks. Some of the top candidates to receive the tag include Cowboys WR George Pickens, Jets RB Breece Hall, Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, Chargers LB Odafe Oweh, and Colts QB Daniel Jones.

  • The franchise tag window opened on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The franchise tag window will close at 4 p.m. ET on March 3, 2026.

The players

George Pickens

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is coming off the best season of his career in 2025, with 1,349 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Breece Hall

A running back for the New York Jets who racked up 1,065 rushing yards and 5 total touchdowns in 2025.

Kyle Pitts

A tight end for the Atlanta Falcons who had 928 yards and 5 touchdowns on 88 catches in 2025, bouncing back from an underwhelming previous season.

Odafe Oweh

A linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers who had 7.5 sacks and 28 total tackles in just 12 games after being traded to the Chargers midseason.

Daniel Jones

A quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts who is recovering from a torn Achilles but is expected to be ready for training camp after a career-best 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.